U.S. -israel Tourism Increasing

August 7, 1980

NEW YORK (Aug. 6)

Tourism from the United States to Israel increased by 21 percent last June, a month during which most trans-Atlantic destinations were reporting a marked drop in American tourist arrivals, according to Israel Zuriel, Israel’s Commissioner for Tourism to North America. Twenty-three percent more Americans arrived in Israel by air in June than in the same month of 1979. During last June, 14 percent more tourists from all countries of the world visited Israel than in June 1979. Almost 150,000 Americans have visited Israel during the first half of 1980.

Zuriel pointed out that despite the rising cost of vocations everywhere, Israel’s comparatively lower hotel costs, combined with an Apex or charter airfare make the country an extremely good value for U.S. travelers. “Moreover,” he continued, “the opening of the Egyptian-Israel border and the expansion of air services between Tel Aviv and Cairo are bringing more and more Americans to Israel.” Increased tourism to Israel from the U.S. is expected to continue throughout 1980 as tour operators and airlines announce extended and new charter programs to Israel and reduced scheduled air fares, Zuriel said.